Progress on the Newly Imagined Museum Project | February 24, 2025
We’re excited to share another update on the major accessibility and building modifications happening at the Museum of Art + History! Thanks to your generosity and belief in this project, we’re making steady progress toward transforming our historic space into a more welcoming and accessible museum for all.
What’s Happening Now?
🚧 Expanding Accessibility
Work has begun on widening doorways to the Fire Hall and Marshal’s Office, carefully preserving the historic trim to reuse in the new design.
Demolition is underway on the stairwell to the basement, which had layers of 1970s carpet—we’re evaluating the best restoration approach.
The opening between the Ferguson Gallery and Fire Hall is being expanded to improve flow between spaces.
📦 Moving & Protecting Artifacts
Our team successfully removed the large ship rudder and safely transported it to storage.
The elk mount has been deinstalled and will be relocated to the Collections Building this week.
If you visit the museum for research or meetings, please use the elevator to access the basement while work continues on the stairwell.
🛠️ This Week's Work
Plumbers have removed several radiators in the Courtroom, Fire Hall, and basement—this means the Fire Hall currently has no heat, so bundle up if you're visiting!
Painters started in the Marshal’s Office and Women’s Jail and will continue in the Courtroom, Fire Hall, and Lobby this week.
Carpenters are completing demolition in the Fire Hall and repairing dry rot in the Marshal’s Office.
Electricians are scheduled to begin work on March 3, but may arrive sooner for prep work.
Looking Ahead
We’re getting closer to re-opening in April with brand-new exhibitions and much-needed ADA upgrades! Your support has made this transformation possible, and we can’t wait to welcome you back to an improved and more inclusive museum experience.
Stay tuned for more updates, and if you’d like to support this work, consider making a gift today: Donate Here
Thank you for being part of this journey with us!
— The JCHS Team